(Graham Moomaw) A Democratic lawmaker apologized Monday after jokingly holding up a hammer-and-sickle image behind Del. Lee Carter, a freshman legislator who is also a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Del. Mark Keam, D-Fairfax, later apologized on the House floor for using a tablet to hold the Communist symbol behind Carter, D-Prince William, at a meeting of the House of Delegates Finance Committee. But the episode could further strain relations between House Democrats and the anti-corporate left.